Contingency planning for power supply, northern suburbs

09 Oct 2008

A thorough investigation is being carried out on the substation equipment by Energy Australia as the independent experts investigating the explosion at the Casuarina Zone Substation.

Replacement equipment has also been ordered for the repairs of the switchboard. Power and Water is working around the clock to install a backup power supply in Darwin’s northern suburbs.

Generators are now being deployed to the five key locations in the affected area which have been identified as being strategically significant in terms of load density and connection to the network.

Installation of the generators will involve connecting the units to the power system and calibrating the protection system of each unit.

Over the next 24 hours Power and Water will consolidate plans for the full installation of the backup equipment and commence a progressive installation process. Full installation of the equipment is expected to be progressively finalised within two to three weeks of all of the equipment arriving in Darwin.

To date six of the generators have arrived in Darwin, another seven are expected tonight with the remaining units and associated equipment due by Monday.

Residents in close proximity to the generators have been advised by letterbox drop of the generator installations.

Smaller generators will also be installed at all 14 schools in the affected area as well as the Tiwi Retirement Village over the coming weekend.

There is nothing to suggest that a widespread failure is imminent. Power and Water believes that it is prudent to take precautions and be suitably prepared.

Power and Water will advise customers of planned short disruptions to power as the generators are installed.

Current information on power supply can be obtained from the Power and Water website or by contacting Power and Water on 1800 245 092.
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